Lip applicator

ABSTRACT

A lip applicator generally relating to the application of a variety of products, including lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, or any such beauty aid, to one&#39;s lips. The lip applicator disclosed herein may be held during use, but is adapted for upright placement on a table-top or other flat surface during non-use. The lip applicator disclosed herein facilitates the facile, rapid, and reliable application a lip product, and may be of particular import in those settings requiring the repeated or frequent application of a beauty aid to one or more people&#39;s lips, such as the set of a motion picture or theatrical performance.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/811,132, filed on Jun. 8, 2007, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/832,338 and 60/879,180,filed Jul. 21, 2006 and Jan. 8, 2007, respectively, the entire contentsof each application being incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for applyinglipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, or any such beauty aid to one's lips.There are many cosmetic and other lip products on the market, including,for example, lip gloss, lip sticks, and lip balm. While some lipproducts may be applied by a finger or a brush, many are dispensed usingan applicator. For example, lip sticks are usually applied through theuse of an applicator that incorporates a lip product disposed within areceptacle. The receptacle is generally a recessed member designed tohold a portion of one end of the product, the remainder of the productextending therefrom. As is common, the receptacle may incorporate amechanism that allows the user to extend and retract the product asdesired.

One of the problems with applicators is the ease, speed, and consistencywith which a lip product may be applied. This problem is especiallyevident in the context of a performance setting, such as the set of atheatre or a motion picture. In such circumstances, it is oftennecessary to repeatedly apply a lip product to the lips of a singleperformer, or to the lips of a great multitude of performers. In thissetting, it would be desirable to be able to do so very quickly inpreparation for the next scene or segment of a performance. Accordingly,applying such products using an individual lip stick, for example, maybe cumbersome or impractical given the need for accuracy and cautionduring application to ensure that the lip product is applied evenly andcorrectly to the performer's lips.

Therefore, a need exists for a product that facilitates facile, rapid,and reliable application a lip product.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a lip applicator is disclosed which includes a baseportion having at least one surface configured and dimensioned tostabilize the lip applicator in a free-standing orientation, a stemportion, and a generally lip-shaped applying portion. The stem portionhas a proximal end connected to the applying portion and a distal endconnected to the base portion. In one embodiment, the proximal end ofthe stem portion is releasably connected to the applying portion, and inanother embodiment, the applying portion is configured and dimensionedto rotate relative to the stem portion.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the lip applicator furtherincludes one or more applicator sponges that are selectively engagablewith the applying portion.

The present disclosure contemplates that the stem portion may includefirst and second stem portions that are configured and dimensioned to beselectively movable with respect to one another. In one embodiment, thefirst and second stem portions are configured and dimensioned such thatthe first stem portion may be telescopically received within the secondstem portion.

In still another embodiment, the base portion is at least partiallycomposed of a semi-resilient material. In another embodiment, the baseportion includes a cavity defined therein that is dimensioned to houseor retain a beauty aid. It is contemplated that the base portion may beconfigured and dimensioned to selectively extend or releasably engagethe beauty aid, or that the base portion may be integrally associatedwith therewith.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lip applicator includesan applying portion that is configured and dimensioned to transitionfrom a first position, in which the applying portion is configured forthe application of a beauty aid, to a second position, in which theapplying portion is configured for storage. In one embodiment, theapplying portion includes a hinge portion that permits the selectivefolding of the applying portion thereabout prior to transitioning fromthe first position to the second position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a lip applicatoris disclosed which includes an applying portion, a stem portion thatsupports the applying portion, and a base portion that is operativelyconnected to the applying portion through the stem portion. In thisembodiment, the base portion is at least partially semi-resilient suchthat the base portion may be selectively deformed from a first position,in which a beauty aid is retained therein, to at least one subsequentposition, in which the base portion is at least partially deformed suchthat the beauty aid is at least partially expelled therefrom,subsequently traversing the stem portion, and exiting onto the applyingportion.

In one embodiment, the lip applicator further includes a bladderdisposed within the base portion that is configured and dimensioned toretain a beauty aid therein. In this embodiment, the bladder is incommunication with the stem portion and is at least partiallysemi-resilient such that the bladder is selectively deformable from afirst position to at least one subsequent position. In the firstposition, the bladder remains undefomed and the beauty aid remainstherein. In the at least one subsequent position, however, the bladderis at least partially deformed such that the beauty aid is at leastpartially expelled therefrom, subsequently traversing the stem portion,and exiting onto the applying portion.

In another embodiment, the base portion is selectively engagable withthe stem portion, and in an additional embodiment, the base portiondefines a recess therein that is configured and dimensioned toselectively receive at least one cleaning sheet. In yet anotherembodiment, the base portion includes at least one surface that is atleast partially reflective.

The present disclosure also contemplates a kit which includes a baseportion, a stem portion having a proximal end connected to an applyingportion and a distal end connected to the base portion, and a pluralityof applicator sponges configured and dimensioned to selectively engagethe applying portion. The present disclosure contemplates that theapplicator sponges may have a beauty aid disposed thereupon.

These and other features of the microwave tissue treatment device andmethod of use disclosed herein will become more readily apparent tothose skilled in the art from the following detailed description ofvarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelowwith references to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure, including a selectivelyextendible stem portion;

FIG. 3 is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in accordancewith another embodiment of the present disclosure, including a baseportion with a cavity dimensioned and configured to retain a beauty aidtherein;

FIG. 4A is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in accordancewith the embodiment of FIG. 3, shown in a first position;

FIG. 4B is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in accordancewith the embodiment of FIG. 3, shown in a second position;

FIG. 5A is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in a firstposition, including a release mechanism and a cavity dimensioned andconfigured to receive a stem portion and an applying portion;

FIG. 5B is a front, perspective view of the lip applicator of FIG. 5A,shown in a second position;

FIG. 6A is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in accordancewith another embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in a firstposition, that includes a release mechanism, a selectively foldableapplying portion, a stem portion, and a base portion with a cavitydimensioned and configured to receive the stem portion and the applyingportion;

FIG. 6B is a front, perspective view of the lip applicator of FIG. 6Ashown in a second position;

FIG. 7A is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, according toone embodiment of the present disclosure, that includes a conduitdisposed within a stem portion, and an applying portion having anaperture;

FIG. 7B is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in accordancewith another embodiment of the present disclosure, including a conduitdisposed within a stem portion, an applying portion having an aperture,a base portion, and a bladder;

FIG. 8 is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure, including a base portionthat defines a recess;

FIG. 9 is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure, including a base portionwith a reflective surface;

FIG. 10 is a side, plan view illustrating the use of a lip applicator inaccordance with the principles of present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a front, perspective view of a lip applicator, according toyet another embodiment of the present disclosure, that includes anapplicator surface configured to retain an applicator sponge;

FIG. 12A is a front, perspective view of a sheet that includes amultitude of applicator sponges varying in size; and

FIG. 12B is a front, perspective view of a sheet that includes amultitude of applicator sponges of one particular size.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Specific embodiments of the lip applicator disclosed herein will now bedescribed in detail with reference to the foregoing figures, whereinlike reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. In thedrawings, and in the description which follows, the term “beauty aid”may refer to a lipstick, a lip gloss, or any such product that may betopically applied to one's lips. In addition, the term “user” may refereither to the person to whom the beauty aid is applied, or to the personhandling the lip applicator and applying a beauty aid to the lips ofanother. Finally, the terms “proximal” and “distal” will be understoodas referring to those portions of the lip applicator that are closestto, and furthest from, respectively, the applying portion, as definedbelow.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 generally illustrates a lipapplicator 10 for applying a beauty aid 12 to one's lips (see also FIG.10). Lip applicator 10 includes a generally lip-shaped applying portion14, which is configured to retain beauty aid 12 thereon, a stem portion16 that extends distally from and supports the applying portion 14, anda base portion 18 that is configured to support the lip applicator 10 inan upward, or free-standing orientation, as seen in FIG. 1, if sodesired.

In each embodiment of the present disclosure described herein, a varietyof configurations and sizes are contemplated for applying portion 14,such that lip applicator 10 may be compatible with a greater multitudeof user's.

Base portion 18 may be configured to facilitate handling and may includevarious contours, scallops, protuberances and/or gripping surfaces toenhance a user's grip thereof. The base portion 18 includes a bottomsurface 20 which is configured and dimensioned to stabilize the lipapplicator 10 atop a table or other surface 22 when not in use. Bottomsurface 20 may be configured and dimensioned in any suitable manner thatfacilitates the stabilization of lip applicator 10. Configurations forbottom surface 20 may include, but are not limited to, a flat surface, aconcave surface, a surface including independent support legs, or asurface that includes an adhesive mechanism, e.g., a suction-cup, aswould be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. As depicted inFIG. 1, bottom surface 20 is flat and rectilinear in shape, but a baseportion 18 having another geometric configuration, or an ornamentalshape, is not beyond the scope of the present disclosure. Bottom surface20 may also be textured, or may include a plastic, rubberized, or anyother suitable surface that may enhance the stability and/or handling oflip applicator 10.

Referring still to FIG. 1, applying portion 14 is generally“lip-shaped”. This configuration allows for the even and facileapplication of a beauty aid 12 to one's lips. The present disclosurecontemplates that applying portion 14 may be integrally formed with stemportion 16 through any suitable method or mechanism including, but notbeing limited to, screws, adhesives, or monolithic formation therewith.It is further contemplated that applying portion 14 may be releasablyconnected to stem portion 16, again through any suitable method,including, but not limited to, a snap-fit arrangement or interferencefitting, such that applying portion 14 may be selectively engagabletherewith, or replaceable.

In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 2, lip applicator 100 includes anapplying portion 114, a stem portion 116, and a base portion 118. It iscontemplated that applying portion 114 and base portion 118 may each bereleasably or integrally connected to stem portion 116. Stem portion 116includes a first portion 116 a configured and dimensioned to beselectively movable with respect to a second portion 116 b. First andsecond stem portions 116 a, 116 b may allow for continuous orincremental movement with respect to one another such that applyingportion 114 may be adjusted relative to base portion 118 during or priorto use.

First and second stem portions 116 a, 116 b may be configured anddimensioned in any manner such that one of the first and second stemportions 116 a, 116 b is movable in relation to, and may be received by,the other, e.g. telescopically. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2,first stem portion 116 a is telescopically moveable in the directionindicated by arrow “A” within lower stem portion 116 b, such that lipapplicator 100 is selectively extendable. In an alternate embodiment, itis contemplated that second stem portion 116 b may be received by, andmay be movable within, first stem portion 116 a, again enabling theselective extension of the lip applicator 100.

In another embodiment, as seen in FIG. 3, lip applicator 200 includes anapplying portion 214, a stem portion 216 and a base portion 218 thatdefines a cavity 224 therein which is dimensioned to releasably retain abeauty aid 212. Beauty aid 212 may be releasably engageable with baseportion 218 through any suitable mechanism or structure including, butnot limited to, snap-fit or interference fit arrangements, to allow forthe selective removal, replacement, and/or substitution of variousbeauty aids, or beauty aid 212 may be integrally associated with, orformed within, base portion 218 such that beauty aid 212 may not bereplaced, substituted, or removed therefrom.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B, a lip applicator 300 is disclosed thatincludes an applying portion 314, a stem portion 316, and a base portion318 rotatably connected to the stem portion 316 through any suitablemechanism or structural adaptation, such that lip applicator 300 may beselectively transitioned or moved from a first position to a secondposition.

In the first position, seen in FIG. 4A, beauty aid 312 is disposedwithin cavity 324, whereas in the second position, seen in FIG. 4B,beauty aid 312 at least partially extends therefrom. To move lipapplicator 300 from the first position to the second position, andthereby selectively extend beauty aid 312 from cavity 324, either baseportion 318, or stem portion 316, may be rotated. To move lip applicator300 from the second position to the first position, and therebyselectively retract beauty aid 312, again, either base portion 318, orstem portion 316, may be rotated. In transitioning from the firstposition to the second position, or from the second position to thefirst position, base portion 318, or stem portion 316, may be rotatedeither clockwise, in the direction of arrow “B”, or counterclockwise, inthe direction of arrow “C”.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A-4B, it is contemplated thatthe configuration and dimensions of the cavity may be varied such thatbase portion may accommodate a variety of beauty aids. In addition, withrespect to each embodiment discussed heretofore, it is contemplated thatthe lip applicator may employ a plurality of cavities, each of which mayvary in size and/or configuration, thereby allowing for theincorporation of a multitude of beauty aids. It is further contemplated,in each embodiment described thus far, that the stem portion may includetwo or more sections configured and dimensioned to be respectivelymovable with respect to each other, e.g., telescopically, as disclosedin the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2.

In FIGS. 5A-5B, a lip applicator 400 is disclosed that includes anapplying portion 414, a stem portion 416, and a base portion 418. Lipapplicator 400 further includes a release mechanism 426 and a cavity 424defined in base portion 418 that is configured and dimensioned toremovably receive stem portion 416 and applying portion 414, as will bediscussed in further detail below. Applying portion 414 is movablysecured to stem portion 416, e.g. rotatably or pivotably secured, suchthat applying portion 414 and stem portion 416 are selectively movablein relation to one another, either in the direction of arrow “D” orarrow “E”, from a first position, seen in FIG. 5A, to a second position,seen in FIG. 5B.

In the first or applying position, seen in FIG. 5A, lip applicator 400defines a first height H₁, and applying portion 414 is substantiallyhorizontal in orientation, thereby facilitating the application ofbeauty aid 412 by a user. If desired, applying portion 414 may berotated and moved into the second position, in which applying portion414 is substantially vertical in orientation and at least a portionthereof is removably disposed within cavity 424, together with at leasta portion of stem portion 416, as seen in FIG. 5B. In the secondposition, lip applying portion 414 may be substantially protected fromthe ambient, thereby remaining free of dust, particulates, or the likeduring non-use. In the second position, the overall height H₂ of lipapplicator 400 is substantially reduced when compared to that of lipapplicator 400 in the first position. This reduction in height mayfacilitate the convenient storage or transport of the lip applicator400, if so desired. It is contemplated that stem portion 416 may includetwo or more sections that may be configured and dimensioned to move withrespect to one another in any suitable manner such that one of theportions may be movable in relation to, and may be received by, theother portion, e.g. telescopically, as depicted in the embodiment ofFIG. 2.

Referring still to FIGS. 5A-5B, as discussed above, lip applicator 400includes release 426. Release 426 maintains lip applicator 400 in eitherthe first position, or the second position, until it is desired by theuser to move therebetween. At such time, the user may actuate release426 and configure the lip applicator 400 either for storage, or for use.Release 426 may be any mechanical mechanism suitable for the intendedpurpose of preventing the unintentional transitioning between the firstand second positions, illustrative examples of which include, but arenot limited to, a depressible button, a rotatable knob, or a slidablebutton set within a track 428, as seen in FIGS. 5A-5B.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a lip applicator 500 having an applying portion514 with two individual portions 514 a, 514 b and a hinge portion 530, astem portion 416, and a base portion 418. Lip applicator 500 functionsin a manner identical to that disclosed with respect to the previousembodiments depicted in FIGS. 5A-5B, in that lip applicator 500 isadapted to transition from a first, applying position, to a secondstorage position in which lip applying portion 514 and stem portion 516are at least partially disposed within and removable from a cavity 524in base portion 518.

Portions 514 a and 514 b are selectively foldable in the direction ofarrow “G” relative to one another about hinge portion 530, such that thedimensions of applying portion 514 may be substantially reduced, therebyfacilitating the storage thereof in base portion 518 while in the secondposition. In one aspect of the present disclosure, applying portion 514may be manually folded about hinge portion 530 at the will of the user,whereas in another aspect, applying portion 514 may only be folded uponthe actuation of release 526. Release 526, therefore, may serve dualpurposes. First, release 526 may facilitate the folding of applyingportion 514 about hinge portion 530. And second, release 526 mayfacilitate the movement or transition of lip applicator 500 from thefirst position, seen in FIG. 6A, to the second position, seen in FIG.6B, or from the second position to the first position, as discussedabove. In a further aspect of the present disclosure, lip applicator 500may employ multiple, independent release mechanisms (not shown), one topermit the folding and/or the unfolding of the applying portion 514about a hinge portion 530, and a second to permit the transition of thelip applicator from the first position to the second position. Withrespect to the folding and unfolding of the applying portion, therelease, or releases, employed may be any mechanism or structuraladaptation suitable for preventing against the inadvertent folding orunfolding of the applying portion.

With respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 5A-6B, the base portion may beconfigured and dimensioned to retain a beauty aid therein, eitherintegrally or selectively, as disclosed in the embodiments of FIGS.2-4B. It is also contemplated that the dimensions of the cavity may bevaried such that base portion may accommodate a variety of beauty aids.In addition, the lip applicator may employ a plurality of cavities, eachof which may vary in size and/or configuration, thereby allowing for theincorporation of additional beauty aids. It is also contemplated thatthe stem portion may include two or more sections that may be configuredand dimensioned to move with respect to one another in any suitablemanner such that one section may be movable in relation to, and may bereceived by, the other section, e.g. telescopically, as disclosed in theembodiment of FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, lip applicator 600 includes an applyingportion 614 with an aperture 638, a stem portion 616 having a conduit632 defining proximal and distal ends 634, 636 disposed therein, and abase portion 618.

Base portion 618 is configured and dimensioned to retain a beauty aid612 therein, and is formed, either in whole or in part, of any resilientor semi-resilient material capable of transitioning from a first,initial position (not shown) to a second, deformed position (not shown),upon the application of a force “F” thereto, as may be appreciated byone of ordinary skill in the art. Force “F” may be generated bysqueezing base portion 618, or in any other suitable manner, including,but not being limited to, twisting.

In the first position, base portion 618 is not subject to any externalforce. Accordingly, in this position, beauty aid 612 remains within thebase portion 618. However, upon the application of force “F” thereto,the walls 640 of base portion 618 may begin to deform inwardly, therebydecreasing the volume of base portion 618, as would be appreciated byone of ordinary skill in the art, such that the beauty aid 612 may beforced outwardly therefrom. Conduit 632 is in fluid communication withbase portion 618 such that beauty aid 612 may enter conduit 632 throughthe distal end 636 thereof upon expulsion from base portion 618,subsequently being communicated therethrough, and exiting onto applyingportion 614 through proximal end 634 and aperture 638.

It is contemplated herein that base portion 618 may be rotatably securedto stem portion 616 such that the force “F” required to deform the baseportion 618, and expel beauty aid 612 therefrom, may be generatedthrough the rotation, or twisting, of base portion 618.

Base portion 618 may be selectively engageable with stem portion 616through any suitable mechanism or arrangement, including, but notlimited to, screw-type or snap-fit arrangements, such that base portion618 and the beauty aid 612 retained therein, may be replaced whennecessary or desired. Alternatively, base portion 618 may be integrallyformed with stem portion 616 such that the lip applicator 600 may beconsidered disposable.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, lip applicator 700 includes an applyingportion 714, a stem portion 716, and a base portion 718 having a bladder742 disposed therein and secured thereto through any suitable means,including, but not being limited to, adhesives. Base portion 718 andbladder 742 may be formed, either in whole or in part, of any resilientor semi-resilient material capable of transitioning from a first,initial position (not shown) to a second, deformed position (not shown)upon the application of a force “F” thereto, again generated in anysuitable manner. Conduit 732 is in fluid communication with bladder 742such that a beauty aid 712, retained therein, may enter conduit 732through a distal end 736 thereof upon being expelled from bladder 742,as discussed above with respect to the disclosure in FIG. 7A.Subsequently, beauty aid 712 may be communicated through conduit 732,and the proximal end 734 thereof, onto applying portion 714 through anaperture 738.

In one embodiment, base portion 718 may be rotatably secured to stemportion 716 such that the force “F” required to deform bladder 742 andexpel beauty aid 712 therefrom may be generated through the rotation ofbase portion 718. In this embodiment, the force “F” created through therotation of base portion 718 is transmitted to bladder 742 through theconnection therebetween.

Base portion 718, and therefore bladder 742, may be selectivelyengagable with stem portion 716 through any suitable mechanism orarrangement, including, but not limited to, screw-type or snap-fitarrangements, such that base portion 718, bladder 742, and the beautyaid 712 retained therein, may be replaced when necessary or desired. Itis further contemplated that base portion 718 may be integrally formedwith stem portion 716 such that lip applicator 700 may be considereddisposable.

In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 8, lip applicator 800 is disclosedwhich includes an applying portion 814, a stem portion 816, and a baseportion 818 that defines a recess 844 therein configured and dimensionedto releasably retain at least one cleaning sheet 846, e.g., a tissue oran anti-bacterial wipe, for selective distribution. Base portion 818 maybe selectively engagable with stem portion 816 such that base portion818, and the cleaning sheets 846 retained therein, may be replaced whennecessary. It is further contemplated that base portion 818 may beintegrally formed with stem portion 816 such that lip applicator 800 maybe considered disposable.

In another embodiment, as seen in FIG. 9, a lip applicator 900 isdisclosed that includes an applying portion 914, a stem portion 916, anda base portion 918 including at least one reflective surface 948.Reflective surface 948 may be disposed on any suitable surface of baseportion 918, including, but not limited to, any face 950, or the bottomsurface 952. Reflective surface 948 may also be disposed in any othersuitable location, including, but not being limited to applying portion914. It is further envisioned that base portion 918 itself be formed, inwhole or in part, of a reflective material, thereby obviating the needfor an additional reflective element.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a lip applicator 1000 is illustrated. Asillustrated, base portion 1018 and/or stem portion 1016 may be graspedby the user. Applying portion 1014 may then be raised and pressed to theuser's lips, either by the user, or by another party, as shown. Applyingportion 1014 is then pressed against the user's lips until such timethat the desired beauty aid (not shown) is sufficiently applied thereto.

FIG. 11 discloses yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Lipapplicator 1100 is generally similar to lip applicator 10 shown in FIG.1 and includes applying portion 1114, stem portion 1116, and baseportion 1118. Applicator 1100 further includes an applicator surface1154 configured to releasably retain an applicator sponge 1156.Applicator sponge 1156 has a general configuration mimicking that ofapplicator surface 1154. Applicator sponges of various shapes and sizes,in particular, but not limited to, small, medium, and large sponges 1156a, 1156 b, 1156 c may be used in conjunction with lip applicator 1100dependent upon the labial characteristics of the person to whom a beautyaid (not shown) need be applied.

In preparation for use, the user orients applicator sponge 1156 withrespect to applicator surface 1154 and applies a force thereto in thedirection of arrow “H”. Applicator sponge 1156 may include an adhesivesubstrate (not shown) disposed on any suitable surface thereof,including, but not being limited to, underside 1158, which mayreleasably adhere to applicator surface 1154. Applicator sponge 1156 mayalso include a peel-away liner (not shown) to protect the adhesivesubstrate (not shown) prior to use. Any adhesive substrate may beemployed, including water or liquid-activated adhesives. Alternatively,applicator surface 1154 may include an adhesive-like substance (notshown) which adheres to applicator sponge 1156 when placed uponapplicator surface 1154. A reusable or tacky substance may be utilizedto accomplish this purpose.

As best shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, a plurality of applicator sponges1156 a-1156 c, that may vary in size, may be arranged on sheet 1160 andsold as a package. Sheet 1160 may be made from a releasable film (e.g.,wax-like paper) that allows a user to simply peel-away one or moresponges 1156 a-1156 c for use. Sheet 1160 may also simply be a supportstructure, e.g., cardboard, for selling a large number of sponges in asingle package. After use, the user simply peels applicator sponge 1156from surface 1154 and discards the sponge 1156.

The present disclosure contemplates that a beauty aid (not shown) may bepre-applied to applicator sponges 1156. To preserve the integrity of thebeauty aid (not shown) prior to application, the beauty aid may bydisposed beneath and protected by a peel-away film (not shown), or thelike, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.Following the orientation of sponge 1156 atop applicator surface 1154,as describe above, the user may simply remove the protective film (notshown), and thereby expose the beauty aid (not shown).

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings,those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications canalso be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scopeof the same. While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shownin the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limitedthereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope asthe art will allow and that the specification be read likewise.Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting,but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilledin the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spiritof the claims to be appended hereto.

1: A lip applicator, comprising: an applying portion; and a base portionoperatively connected to the applying portion, the base portion beingconfigured and dimensioned to retain a beauty aid therein, and at leastpartially formed from a semi-resilient material such that the baseportion is selectively deformable to expel an amount of the beauty aidonto the applying portion. 2: The lip applicator of claim 1, wherein thebase portion includes a bladder at least partially positioned therein,the bladder being configured and dimensioned to retain the beauty aid.3: The lip applicator of claim 2, wherein the bladder is incommunication with the applying portion, the bladder being at leastpartially formed from a semi-resilient material, and selectivelydeformable via application of an external force thereto to expel thebeauty aid from the bladder onto the applying portion. 4: A lipapplicator, comprising: a base portion including at least one surfaceconfigured and dimensioned to stabilize the lip applicator in afree-standing orientation; a stem portion having a proximal end and adistal end, the distal end being connected to the base portion; anapplying portion connected to the proximal end of the stem portion, theapplying portion being generally lip-shaped; and an applicator spongethat is selectively engagable with the applying portion. 5: The lipapplicator of claim 4, wherein the applying portion is releasablyconnected to the stem portion.